Manteris is NBA’s man in Las Vegas

Veteran Las Vegas oddsmaker Art Manteris has been pulled into the NBA's betting scandal.

That's whom NBA commissioner David Stern was referring to during his Tuesday news conference when he mentioned "the local Las Vegas consultant" the league was conferring with.

Stations Casinos spokeswoman Lori Nelson confirmed that Manteris, Station Casinos' vice president of race and sports operations, has been involved with NBA security regarding the FBI's investigation into the allegations that veteran NBA referee Tim Donaghy bet on basketball games during the 2005-'06 season.

Manteris, interviewed Tuesday night, said he has worked for the NBA for about 10 years.

"I have told the league for some time that the vulnerability they face is officials."

He added, "It is important to show support to the league and show that we're on the same side.

"They've gone to great lengths and take it very seriously. But look at NASA. They have billions involved and they still have a (personnel) meltdown."

Meanwhile, give Paul Howard of the local ESPN Radio affiliate (920) credit for the best question of NBA Week back in February when he asked Stern whether he had any concerns about gambling, including a point-shaving scandal.

"You've been around long enough, you know that what you just described has nothing to do with anything I've been saying for the last three years," said Stern, "or every day this week in Las Vegas. If you want to talk about it later I'd be happy too. But I'm not worried about games being fixed, and I'm surprised you asked the question."

THE SCENE AND HEARD

Songwriter Ron Miller, whose lyrics were embraced by many a Las Vegas headliner, died Monday in Los Angeles. Miller, 74, was a Las Vegas regular in recent years, making stops at the Turnberry Towers' Stirling Club. His daughter, Lisa Dawn, is married to longtime Las Vegas entertainer Sandy Hackett. Diana Ross turned Miller's "Touch Me In the Morning" into a hit, as did Stevie Wonder with "For Once In My Life." Celine Dion dedicates "If I Could," another Miller effort, to her son during each performance. ...

Drew Carey, the new host of "The Price Is Right," grew up in Cleveland, but he won't mind if we consider him an adopted son. While living here briefly in the 1980s, he worked in Las Vegas as a bank clerk in his mid-20s and at a Denny's on the Strip as a food server. He lived in the Blue Angel, a seedy motel on Fremont Street, and took his early steps as a comedian at the Mine Shaft, a since-closed restaurant in the Commercial Center on East Sahara Avenue, now home to a cluster of eclectic businesses, from Serge's Wigs to Lotus of Siam restaurant. ...

Las Vegan Mikalah Gordon, a 16-year-old finalist in the 2005 "American Idol" competition, wowed 'em in West Hollywood over the weekend. During her singing appearance at two gay clubs, she revealed a new look: a blonde Posh bob and high heels. She appeared at Popstarz at Factory and GirlBar. According to tmz.com, she brought the house down with singing Alannah Myles' "Black Velvet," Billie Holiday's "God Bless the Child" and Bon Jovi's "You Give Love a Bad Name." ...

We're heading out today to our favorite ranch in Colorado's high country. Nothing like crisp mountain air to clear the mind and recharge the batteries. We'll be back in the saddle in a few days.

SIGHTINGS

Cameron Diaz, dining at Fix Restaurant & Bar at the Bellagio before her party of six moved to Jet Nightclub at The Mirage. She was scheduled to meet with Mayor Oscar Goodman on Tuesday. ... Tennis star Mark Philippoussis, watching Monday's episode of NBC's "Age of Love" at Planet Hollywood Resort's "Extra!" Lounge with the contestants who have been eliminated from the battle of 20-year-olds versus 40-year-olds. When Philippoussis approached their table before the episode aired, two of the contestants, Mary and JayAnna, didn't get up from their chairs. A third, Adelaide, remained in her room. ... The Saudi royal family, including Prince Abdulaziz Al Saud, attending Monday's 7 p.m. performance of "Love" at The Mirage. ... "How I Met Your Mother" actor Neil Patrick Harris, dining with a friend at Tao Asian Bistro (Venetian) on Monday night. He also took in The Amazing Johnathan Show at the Sahara.

THE PUNCH LINE

"People are mad about this Michael Vick thing. Today, Bob Barker called for Vick to be spayed and neutered." -- Jay Leno

Norm Clarke can be reached at 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.